My Daily Visitor

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Aug 4, 2012 - Mt 14:1-12

When I read today's Gospel, I was reminded of the book of Genesis, when the serpent tempted Eve to eat of the forbidden tree, who then tempted Adam to eat of it too.

The devil has been at work since the beginning of time. It was no different in the time of King Herod. Like Adam who was tempted by Eve, Herod was tempted by Herodias, the wife of his brother Phillip. John the Baptist, who Herod had imprisoned, warned Herod that it was unlawful to keep his brother's wife. Filled with hate for John the Baptist, Herod could not kill him. Doing so would have caused a riot in his kingdom. The Bible states, "Although he (Herod) wanted to kill him, he feared the people, for they regarded him (John the Baptist) as a prophet." (Mt 14-5).

But the devil did not stop his work. During a birthday celebration for Herod, Herodias gave Herod a gift of dance by her own daughter, which I'm sure was very provacative even by todays standards. After the dance, Herod was so weak and far from God that he "swore to give her whatever she might ask for." (Mt. 14:7). Herodias, under the influence of Satan, whispered to her daughter to ask for John the Baptist's head on a platter. Herod had no choice to meet her demand since he promised her whatever she might ask for in front of witnesses and guests.

How many times has Satan entered our lives? Maybe it has not been as drastic as asking for someone's head on a platter but he is at work each and everyday. The futher out we are from God, the easier his temptations become. That is why it is so important to pray and to take some time out each day to meditate on the Word of God. Even if it's for 10 min a day. Those small steps lead to bigger ones and soon enough, Satan has no power over us.

"Lord, you are my strength. Keep the evil one away so that I may focus on your wisdom and love for me." - Amen